I was once a young soldier marching in a 4th of July parade in some small town back east. I can't remember the name of the town, but I still have a picture of the little town square with its gazebo in my mind. I also remember the aging former soldiers at the VFW that had retired from their civilian jobs years and years before buying us beers and being grateful, I remember thinking, to have people they thought would understand sit and listen to them for a while. An entire lifetime has passed between then and now, and I look at the world differently from this end. The crowds honor those who have served, and I thank you for your gratitude; but every time I read of another young boy mangled by the experience of war, I wonder at how cheaply our willingness to put our youngsters into harm's way is bought with a couple of high-school marching band songs, a shiny red fire engine siren and a look at a Huey on a float rolling by, and how easily we allow ourselves to ignore the parade of suffering in VA hospitals and private homes across the nation.

I love my country, and I hope it loves its children enough to think much longer and much harder before sending them off to fight.

Posted by Pleasanton Resident
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 9, 2013 at 5:13 pm

Why has the media, including the PW, neglected to report how many of our young men and women in Afghanistan have died this past week or month? I was saddened to hear how many of our Vets are committing suicide each week, and especially for those who are waiting for V.A. benefits. Shame on us.

Posted by Kathleen
a resident of another community
on Nov 10, 2013 at 4:49 pm

I live in San Jose, I already come to your wonderful county fair each year, now I will start coming over for your Veterans Day parade also, it sounds great!. My city just does not care anymore. I was born and raised here and it makes me sad......